“But because it is a cultural icon, not just in Australia but globally, it’s raised eyebrows in a positive way and has already had an impact on the discussions we’re having internationally.”

Ford’s financial involvement in Supercars ceased at the end of 2015, a year before production of the Falcon finished with the FG X.

It will rejoin at least Holden in having an official presence next year, with talks on Nissan’s future ongoing.

Nissan entered Supercars with its Altima sedan in 2013, but is out of contract at the end of this season, amid an appetite to see its signature GT-R in action.

Ford's Graeme Whickman, Seamer and DJR Team Penske's Ludo Lacroix

Seamer feels Ford’s new program will also give fresh impetus to talks involving other brands.

“There have been a number of other discussions between Supercars teams and manufacturers,” he said. “We’re supporting those discussions.

“I think this project certainly puts a clear stake in the ground that we as a category, as a sport, are open for business. We’re flexible with the guidelines we operate under.

“The Mustang - due to the cultural and broad fan support for what Graeme [Whickman, Ford Australia President and CEO] and the teams are doing with Ford Performance - is starting to heat up other conversations.”